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Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has been impressed by West Brom

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has praised West Brom's start to the season ahead of their game at The Hawthorns.

Last Updated: 20/10/12 2:15pm

Roberto Mancini: Manchester City manager quick to praise West Brom

Steve Clarke's side lie sixth in the Premier League table going into the weekend's fixtures and Mancini has been particularly impressed by their attacking style of play.

"I should say many compliments to him (Clarke) because he has done a very good job until now," said the Italian.

"In this moment, I think West Bromwich is the team that has played the best football, so tomorrow for us it will be a tough game.

"It is always difficult, this game after the international break. Today is the first date we can work together.

"We need to think and we need to put everything we have into tomorrow's game because it will be very difficult. After that we think about the other games.

"It is very important when there are two teams that play very good football, I think it is important for the supporters, for everyone."

Silva

The international break has taken a toll on City with midfielders David Silva and Jack Rodwell suffering hamstring injuries representing Spain and England Under-21s respectively.

The problem for Silva, at least, may not be as bad as feared.

The 26-year-old pulled up after just 10 minutes of Spain's World Cup qualifying draw with France on Tuesday and it was reported he could face a lengthy lay-off.

But although he will also miss Wednesday's crucial Champions League encounter with Ajax, there is a possibility he could be back in action next weekend.

Mancini said: "He is not ready for tomorrow, and will not be for the Champions League, but we hope for the next game against Swansea."

There might also have been concerns about the condition of England players Joe Hart, Joleon Lescott and James Milner, who returned later than scheduled after their World Cup qualifier in Poland was put back a day.

But despite the disruption to his preparations, Mancini at least has no worries about their fitness.

The Italian said: "The English players who played on Wednesday are tired but I am not worried, they have another day to recover."

Mancini also has no fears about Hart's state of mind ahead of his return to domestic action.

Hart was at fault as Poland claimed their equaliser in the 1-1 draw against England in Warsaw on Wednesday. That came just a fortnight after Hart was widely hailed as the best goalkeeper in the world after a stunning display against Borussia Dortmund.

Mancini said: "I think this is a situation that happens when you can play but usually Joe saves everything."